Hope you're enjoying your last weekend of 2007, everyone!
Got a crazy question for you, and need your most honest opinion here.
How important is it to impress your clients, your staff, and other Realtors you work with, with the car you drive?
Now, we all know your car is an extension of your office. It has to be comfortable, for you and your clients. It has to be clean. It has to be reliable. But do clients and your peers judge you on the MODEL and MAKE of what you drive, even if they won't admit it to you?
Back in the day, it was your CLOTHING that made the biggest statement on you. Your suit, your tie, your shoes. Although neatness and presentation with what you wear still counts a helluva lot, there seems less urgency to spend tons of money on expensive suits today, especially for men.
But, the vehicle the agent drives up in. If he or she drives up in a Lexus, do you, subtly, have more respect for them than if they drove up in a Toyota Avalon? If the car is a bit older, but clean, does that affect your perception of his or her status, confidence, or level of success? The guy that has an $80,000 Mercedes, or an expensive BMW. Does he get more traction than somebody that drives up in a nice, but "non-trophy" car?
I know, I know - it's all the in the person. We have to stop being materialistic these days. But often times, especially with high-end properties, your first impression is CRITICAL, especially if you are in competition with others. What do CLIENTS think, but DON'T TELL YOU?
What about your STAFF and TEAM MEMBERS. Does your car give them a message about how you are as a successful leader? Can they become concerned if you don't have a visual cue, parking in the office parking lot each day, as to your success and confidence?
Need your candid reaction here, and here's why.
I have driven an Acura for many years - love the brand, the reliability, and the features. My latest Acura is a top-of-the-line RL - a three year old model, that I bought new. Lovely car - but very expensive to maintain, and not good on gas, especially in the city. I purchased this car during the stronger market of early 2005, when gas was still a respectable $2.25/gallon - for PREMIUM!
Now, the lease on this car is coming due. I'm considering downgrading to a less expensive, but nice and smaller, Acura TL, or even a classy, but $10M less expensive, Honda Accord EX. Both of these options offer similar features to the RL, are roomy and well designed for clients - but will cost about 20% less to operate, due to better gas mileage, and a far lower lease payment. Any option here will have built-in Navi System, as I have become quite used to this feature, nice seats, etc. - no stripped down model car.
The market here is Chicago is a Buyer's Market, and this is projected to continue, although we are confident our Team has the right business model in place to grow in 2008. I am looking at vehicle expense as something I can trim, perhaps considerably, and am leaning to going with a less expensive vehicle here.
But will it hurt me?
Be honest, folks, and think before you answer. Thanks!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Hi Dean!
Interesting question. I think it depends on where you live regarding what type of car you drive. I lived in Southern California for most of my life and down there I would say YES....people do judge you on what type of car you drive. I now live in Vancouver, Washington and up here it honestly doesn't matter! Is the matter of fact, if you see a car that is immaculately clean on the outside, chances are it has California license plates. The weather up here is so unpredictable that you would be at the car wash 3 times a day! Also, I notice up here you don't see many "fancy" cars. Most people up here spend their money on toys such as RVs, Boats, Vacation homes, etc. Alot more down to earth!
So in closing, I think depending on where you live is what people look at!
evie hampton
Dean - check out the responses to this same question posed on Trulia Voices:
http://www.trulia.com/voices/Tech_Tips/How_important_is_the_car_you_drive_to_your_success-7216--
Hi Dean-
Great post. In short everything about your image matters. Most of the agents in my office drive a Mercedes, BMW or a Lexus.
Good Point,Yes I believe you are judged no matter where you are on what you drive SINCE you are a real estate agent.
With that being said it now depends on what type of clients you normally have. Are you in a luxury market or are you in a new first time home buyers market? I would base that on what I would drive.
Most people do not know the VW market and I have a VW car that is $$$. Once they get in the car they love it and talk about it. This to me is a conversation piece that breaks the ice and gets my clients and me talking and have a great time.
That is my opinion of a vehicle and I hope this helps.
Another thing is keeping the vehicle very clean will make an impression. Clean vehicle will mean clean clear mind to help process the correct home for your client.
Everyone -
Fantastic comments, thanks very much! Brian, especially appreciate you sending the Trulia link - incredible insight here.
Hot topic, but no clear-cut answer. Of course, you want to think that the make and model of a car is irrelevant, if your level of service is strong. But, many, especially higher-end clients, might indeedjudge you and form conclusions instantly based on what you park in front of their home. In competitive situations, with non-referred clients, FSBO's or expired listings, this could make or break, sometimes.
Autos still help you create and proliferate an image, as your choice of clothing does. But conviction in what you do, and the service you provide, can be an equalizer. But not for everyone.
Perhaps, for staff and Team, it's the way you present it to them, and explain how it fits into your overall busines model - I would rather have more dollars left over at the end of the month to promote clients' property on the internet, and market our business, than just look cool behind the wheel.
But there has to be a balance here!
Again, thanks for your thoughts, and Happy New Year!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
As long as it's a running, clean car I don't think it really matters. I agree with Hank above in that here where I live, in the Central Valley of California, people are more attuned to environmental issues. Driving around in a big gas guzzling vehecle is often frowned upon. I drive a Ford F-150 truck. Lots of properties here are out in the country. Not the ideal terrain for a fancy car. If I'm going to be driving clients around I'll drive my wife's G-35. Most of the clientele I work with really aren't into what you drive or what label you're wearing. If they were, I probably wouldn't be working with them.
Of course people judge you based on what you drive. Especially in larger metropolitan cities. This is America.
The only types of vehicles you can get away with driving that cost very little are hybrids such as a Prius. It's considered OK to be environmentally concerned. You can explain why you have a Prius. "I wanted to buy a Rolls, you know, but I'd rather try to stop global warming," makes you a hero.
Clients look for expensive names, although they might not know how much the vehicle costs. You can buy very expensive top-of-the-line models from more modest manufacturers, but you can also buy inexpensive bottom of-the-line models from luxury manufacturers. When I see a SLK, for example, it says to me that the individual could not afford to buy the SL model, but clients generally don't know the difference unless they drive a Mercedes.
It's all about image. Can't say I'm happy about that fact, but it's a fact.
I know a mega agent locally who is going to close 500 transactions this year and he drives a 300,000 mile Chevy Tahoe. A very clean and comfortable car.
I don't believe that buyers judge you on what you drive as long as it is clean and presentable.
I drive a Lexus SUV - standard issue real estate car. Boring but will hold my clients. Keeping it clean is a must! I had a detailer come out just this week as a Merry Christmas to me :)
I doubt it will hurt you provided it is clean and roomy enough for the clients. It's not like you are looking for a Yugo or Geo or a modern car along those lines.
Sean Allen
Hi Dean - I know a number of agents who buy vehicles to impress other agents and themselves - all about ego for that type of person. Personally, I would rather buy a car that's a comfortable ride, for both me since I'm in it most, and for my clients. My honey is 6'2", so I make sure it's comfortable for him, and if it is, it most likely will be for most of my clients.
A clean, well-kept car is important. I've had clients worth fortunes in my cars and they've commented on the comfy rides, and one set of them actually kinda poked fun at some of the other agents we met who drove what they called 'ego cars'.
We have some bridges here that can be a little hairy traveling over when we have high winds, and for that reason, my last 2 cars have had lower centers of gravity and are wide-bodied. That's my own personal choice, but I feel so much safer in the last 2 cars I've owned. And when I feel safe, I can feel comfortable with clients in the car with me in those kinds of conditions.
I would think, just as real estate is local, that how important or not important one's car is would be local as well. I suppose if I drove a beat up jalopy, some clients might notice, but I don't so they don't.
Ann
Personally I think perception is everything in this business - Dress well, keep a clean and a mid grade luxury car. I have the Infinity M35 new this year. Tons of comments and appreciation from clients. Next car will be a Mercedes. The car is as important as your regularly polished shoes and pressed sports jacket, which all contribute to brand and image. Wherever you are and whatever the surprise if you have these and your are professional and competent in the job you will have the appropriate "presence" in any company and for any customer, especially if your target market is high end.
Thanks
Nathan
Dean:
I was in the market to buy or lease a new car recently. Before I opened the front door, I opened the back door and sat in the back seat to test the comfort that the car would offer my clients. For the first time in my life, I decided to lease a comfortable, four door of course with only 4 cylinders, with good mileage per gallon and a lot of power. I always drove 6 cylinders and even 8 cylinders. I believe it's time we slow down our dependency for oil. Our dependency and gas guzzlers hasn't worked lately. In any event, nowadays, all the new cars look the same. Nobody knows what are you driving.
Isaac Bensussen-www.besthomesinlajolla.com
I refuse to buy a car that gets less than 30 miles to the gallon. So that limits me. I do need to buy a new car soon, but I am holding out for a few more choices. The car I have now, and have been driving since 2001, is a Honda Civic 4-door. I love it. I am really resistant to getting rid of it: it is paid off and hasnever had a problem, at 110,000 miles.
Also, I rarely have clients in my car. If they have children, they have to be in carseats for ages these days. So I am more likely to ride with them. Also, I use my car for dog things, so my clients are warned of dog hair LOL
I don't know if any of my clients have judged me negatively for driving a thrifty, frugal car. I am not afraid to tell them why I do so. In fact, I figure it shows them that I understand the benefits of conservative financial decisions.
I drive a Chevy Trailblazer, nothing fancy, I needed a 7 seater and it's a 6 cylinder so it's not as bad on gas as a v-8. I love it and I get really good feedback from people. I try to keep it clean. When I work with first time homebuyers, they don't feel intimidated. I have never worked with anyone in the million dollar range, so I don't know what their opinions are but my suv has never given a bad impression.
Hope that helps! Happy New Year!
In our market, it seems most Realtors drive BMW or Mercedes! Honestly, I've been tempted to purchase a lower end Mercedes as it seems to be such a mark of success! However, I then take a few moments and remember that I'm a Mom first! My Acura MDX was purchased with the intent of using all 7 seats to carpool kids on field trips and have all the gadgets ( GPS, DVD, etc.) that I wanted. I love my car! I don't think anyone is intimidated by it and it is high-end enough to satisfy all! My big issue is keeping it clean. It seems on most days, my car is more "Mom Messy" than "Realtor Ready"!
Hi Dean,
This topic seems to be discussed often, honestly I can't understand why it matters what you drive. Purchasing my BMW X5 had nothing to do with clients or egos, it was exactly what I was looking for at the time and it was all about comfort as most of my day is spent in my "office on wheels." :)
Keep it clean, keep it comfortable, that is what is about to me. Some markets it might matter.
The question is what is your market. If you look at who your clients have been in the past do they drive Mercedes or Lexus or do they drive Honda Accords. If you sell to the Mercedes crowd then you need at least what they drive.
I also agree that we are judged on what we drive. We live in a judgemental society.
You are so right, Heather. Those who like mom messes probably should not be in real estate. Ick. They should run day care centers. Kid vomit, yuck. Real estate is a professional business for pros.
I suppose it depends on your market, too, though. If you're selling lower-end homes, you could probably ride a horse to work and nobody would care. If agents want to change client's misperceptions about them, perhaps they should do so from the bottom up. We're only to blame for how our public perceives us.
I drive a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup. It is almost always dirty. I haven't washed it since last Spring. It almost always has some sort of fencing, wood, hay, equipment or tools in the back. The windshield is now newly cracked and has several rock chips.
I wear blue jeans, leather work boots and a Carhart jacket to work. I've never worn a suit or tie to work and would never get any business if I did.
I sell acreages, farms, and land. In fact I feel comfortable in business clothing or jeans but intentionally dress to match my enviroment. To many times I've heard "I had some slick dressed up Realtor out here last week in his fancy car to look at the place but I'd rather deal with a man in blue jeans" Jeans it is then.
Based on the comments above there are not many places you can wear blue jeans, drive a dirty truck and show multi million dollar properties unless you are a farm Realtor. I love it!
I haven't read all the comments yet, but I'll add my two cents anyway. IMO, we have to walk a fine line. We have to drive something newer, nice, clean, professional, without going over the edge and looking as if we make too much money. Driving up in a $60K car gives many sellers the impression that you're making too much and they can beat you up on commission. However, driving up in a $10K 100,000 mile car says that you're not doing enough business, which translates to lack of success. Now, of course, if you're target market is strictly very high-end clients, then a high-end car is a necessity. We have to blend in with our target clients. My target clients are the upper middle-class sellers. The folks are professional and make more than the average joe, but they don't make so much that they've lost touch with reality and believe that anyone who drives a car older that 1 year or listed under $80K is a nobody.
Personally, I actually respect, and feel more comfortable, with someone who is successful, but is a good steward of what they have. Driving a reasonable, yet nice, car says more to me than someone who pays more for a car than most double-income families will earn in a year.
Dean - It is late and I am too old to stop and read all these comments. I will only share that I drive two different vehicles. I have a brand spanking new Nissan or Toyata. I would have to ask the missus, she picked it out and I really can't tell one damn car from another anymore. I know that it has a hidden phone somewhere and calls come out of the radio. It gets good gas mileage.
I also have about a 1996 Jeep cherokee. It is my preferred vehicle to drive. I don't see or hear as well as I used to and it provides me with a little better protection should I make a mistake. It does smell like dog and stale cigarettes and the radio only plays country music.
I take clients out in the new one. The rest of the time I drive my jeep.
I am not selling a car and I never really cared what folks thought. If they don't want to use me because I drove up in a jeep, hell, that is there loss. Like I said, I'm not selling the jeep.
Whether it is clothes or vehicles.......just be clean and the rest will fall into place.
Like it or not this is somewhat an image business and depending on the market you may need an 'upscale' car to run with certain clients. With that said, it's as much about how you carry yourself and your reputation than the emblem on your grill... truly. We bought the Mercedes because we liked it and for its safety features and the Tundra because I wanted it. To my knowledge I've never had a client care whether we tooled around in our Mercedes or the Tundra. I'm not all that sure the majority of clients in any price range give that much thought to what we drive.
Hard to say...I drive a Subaru Forester, which is practical and pretty good on gas, and it's easy to get my signs in and out of. Most people comment on the Subaru's reliability, and view it as being a good car.
I buy a car according to my needs only, and I make my decision based purely on reliability, safety and gas mileage; as long as it doesn't look like an Aztek I'll consider buying it if it rates high in the aforementioned categories and is within my budget.
Here in Seattle, I'd say that people judge more in terms of gas mileage than status. I know I balk when I see someone driving a Hummer or an Escalade down the street.
Hi Dean: It's funny you should mention an Avalon, because I drive one. It is a 2006, and I get excellent gas mileage with it... about 28mpg... which I think is great. I also have a Honda CR-V... which is Honda's "Cross-over" vehicle. It's built on a Honda Civic chassis, rides like a car, and also gets around 27 or 28 miles per gallon in the city, and 31 or 32 on long trips. I think an Accord is a great choice.
I sell lots of new homes, and have to drive in construction areas, so my Honda CR-V works great there. The Avalon does not cost all that much more than an Accord, but this year's Accord looks really great, and drives very well. I cannot see how you would go wrong with an Accord, as long as it is not too small for you physically. Take care... happy shopping.
One of my goal purchases next year is a honda accord coupe, but I am not a Realtor I am a Mortgage Consultant. So, I thik the perception is a little more slighted. I think if I have a nice car, I do, a honda ridgeline, but if I were driving a BMW. I think people would think I take advantage of people.
Dave
For comfort, I drive a 99 Durango. For fun a fully restored 62 Corvair Spyder convertible. To be honest the classic attracts much more attention. It is a great way to get noticed and an excellent conversation starter. Everyone had one or wanted one. It also allows me to participate in local car shows and parades...and yes, autocrosses . Again a great way to meet people.
Sometimes driving outside the box has its advantages.
Hi Dean,
I agree with Nathan Holman's comment. I live and work in a very wealthy area in South Florida (Boca Raton)where home prices range from $200,000 to $18 Million. The car is an extension of your personality and it is going to influence how you are perceived by others. I drive a Lexus ES350, in my market it is considered a luxury car but not top of the line, it allows me to work with customers in most all price ranges without being offensive. I can drive up to a multi-million dollar property to make a listing presentation and feel comfortable and at the same time I can go list a property in a lower price area outside the city and not get mug.
Manny Reynaldo - www.2bocahomes.com
Dean
I don't let customers in my car. IT does not allow me to turn up my music. They follow me. I had a top of the line Volvo but people thought it was a really nice car. Now I think I am going the Honda route.
Sincerely
Tom bRaatz
Dean - of the makes/models you mentioned I would go with the Honda Accord. Hondas are reliable, great on gas and generally low maintenance.
As for being judged by my vehicle? Well, I have a problem with that, mainly because I don't judge people by their belongings but on their expertise and accomplishments. I'm not superficial. I'm practical.
There is an agent in another part of our state that drives a 30 year old station wagon. It's well cared for, runs like a top. He chose to make his 'tag line' something like.....Classic service delivered by an agent with classic taste.
It works for him.
Oops, just noticed this wasn't members only.....I think it's important to have your car be a reflection of you and your business whatever niche that is. If you work with first timers and many young couples, a luxury vehicle isn't the best choice, in my opinion.
Dean...
Much of what I had to say has already been said...
So, I'll share something a little 'off' topic with you. Okay? Okay :)
When I am meeting with potential tenants for my personal rental houses, I always meet them at the property and peek inside whatever vehicle they're driving.
Why do I do this? Cuzz. What the inside of the car looks like will reflect what my rental house will look like :)
TLW...ROAR!
I drive a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe and I love it. In fact, I love Hyundai vehicles. I was just thinking today that my car should be paid for soon. I won't get another one until I can get the car I want and wanted before I ever dreamed of a career as a REALTOR®. I want a Mercedes CLS 550 and will probably get it after I get the first two younguns at least halfway through college.
I heard/read that the truly rich don't spend their fortune on cars or designer rags. It doesn't make much sense to me to spend a fortune to impress someone who spends their money wisely. But that's just me. I've never defined anything about me by what I have.
The Honda would be a smart buy. One of my tax clients traded in a Honda a couple of years ago and I was shocked at how much she got for trade-in value.
I don't believe that a luxury car is necessary in real estate. You don't want a piece of junk either. I currently drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I'm going to buy a Toyota Prius for the fuel economy. It's a nice car, but it's very economical. I've had clients comment about being turned off by agents in Mercedes, etc. because they simply want people to think their important. The car won't get you more business...your marketing, sales skills, personality and people skills will attract your business. One day I was on my motorcycle and received a call from a client wanting to see one of my listings. Since I was just around the corner, I showed up on the motorcycle. He liked that I was down to earth and not one of those "snooty realtors". He ended up working with me due to the motorcycle. And I've since showed up several times on the motorcycle, all with positive reactions from clients and potential clients. Interesting how people's minds work.
I teach a class about this very subject. I tell Realtors to have a reliable, safe car that is easy to get in and out of for the client. You should keep it clean and uncluttered. The trunk should be large enough for your office away from your brick and mortar office.
My favorite is the Toyota Avalon. I drive a 1991 Lexus LS 400 with 202,000 miles on it. It was paid for years ago and if meets all the standards I've set above. I have a Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS system to easy my travels.
I am not a fan of Mercedes and BMWs due their shaky reliability. Many of my friends have them but they complain a lot.
In my years of real estate, I've found it more important to have a do-it-all vehicle than a status symbol. For the last 3 years, I've had SUV's and in my latest go round, its a bright red Dodge Durango (kw colors). Its roomy, has a third row, leather interior, all weather mats and is roomy even for passengers behind me. While I desperately need something that gets better gas mileage, I have a hard time carting clients around in my volvo wagon because my wife can't keep it clean.
I've only purchased one new car and it was the biggest waste of money I've ever spent. Because I drive around 30,000 a year, I prefer something low mileage and with a warranty. Recently, I've noticed my client are not riding with me as much as they did in my first few years so I'm considering ditching the durango for a second Volvo or possibly a VW GTI 3 door or Mini Cooper.
I never want to appear like new money, but rather someone who is fiscally responsible. Plus, my travels with buyers here in Charlotte can have me driving 125 miles for a day of showings (Gotta love suburbs). I know a lot of agents have the RX300's and LS430's but they're on fleases. The $400+ I'm not spending on a car payment is money I can spend knocking down my student loans.
As far as navigation goes, I'm no longer a fan of the built-in systems. I purchased a Tom Tom 710 and I can set my destinations from my computer, set itenaries, and easily update the maps as well as points of interest. Given the opportunity, I'd stick with it over a built-in system since I can take it from car to car, especially important when I have a rental while my cars are in the shop.
Hey, everyone -
Here in Cold and Snowy Chicago, we are just BLOWN AWAY by the volume of comments on this very hot topic. And you all answered with much thought and deliberation - THANKS AGAIN, to everyone!
I've always bought a car that I am comfortable with, but in a casual sort of way. A Mercedes or a top-end BMW - I agree, many may think we make too much money, and perception can be negative. Even if you work with exclusively-upscale clients, this could be a turn off.
But, like the clothes you wear - you want to be clean, neat, presentable - with just a touch of memorability.
I have owned Acura cars for many years because they are incredibly reliable, generally reasonable to maintain (but now that gas is up so high, costs for Premium Fuel have become a business concern), have excellent trade-in values (after all, they are still really Hondas!), and create a memorable "What kind of car is this?" impression, without being too flaunty.
If my car was an extension of my personality, I might say it speaks about me as someone who is successful, but not seeking to impress others. That he is confident in his business, but has a bit of flair. That he is not afraid to get his hands dirty, but won't dirty his hands looking under his own hood while he is taking us to view properties.
I really don't take buyers out much anymore - our Buyer's Specialist Kathleen Weaver-Zech does - she drives a Saturn SUV. She loves it, BTW! Further, I don't feel I constantly have to convince myself how good I am.
In 2008, we have some serious issues. We have to capture business in a tougher market, effectively promote our listings, and, with uncertainty as to housing demand in the first part of the year especially, not have a lot of fat in our budgets.
It is no longer fashionable, even in the more affluent sectors, I believe, to be driving some gas-guzzling hog with a trophy nameplate just for status. I think most clients would rather me spend our not-unlimited budget on things that will get their house sold, not to stroke the Listing Agent's ego. Those that don't, I'd be concerned about how shallow, and potentially toxic, they might be.
My leaning, therefore, is I can possibly downsize somewhat, to an Acura TL or Honda Accord EX-L, without negatively impacting my business. Make sense?
Always welcome your further thoughts!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
ber,
I agree with many of the comments already made. I think it all depends on what you are comfortable with. My husband and I are both brokers, each with our own style. I drive an Infiniti G35 sedan. It's nice and roomy and great for taking out clients. It's also just the right size for me to drive. My husband on the other hand drives a Dodge Dakota. He's very casual and people relate to his down to earth style. We make a great team. I think what's most important is the care you give your clients and your integrity.
Wow, this has been a great post and I've really enjoyed all the comments. It's nice to see that so many agents realize that there is a limit to how flashy we should be with our cars. Until recently, I was still driving around in my 96 GMC Suburban (11mpg was killing me). It's a VERY nice one, loaded out and still looks brand new, but one day I was at a listing of mine, putting the sign in the yard, and I overheard the neighbor across the street say to his wife "That Realtor must not be that good if he's driving that old thing." I was taken aback. I mean yes, it's a 10-year-old vehicle, but like I said, it's clean and still looks new. Anyway, my point is, different people will have different opinions, and I think as long as we're within reason and we keep them clean and nice, MOST people are OK with it.
I also want to second Jonathon's comment on the navigation. I have a built-in unit in my current Honda, but have found that the portable units actually offer more. Being able to plug them into the laptop and get update maps or map out an itinerary could be very useful for us in our business.
Thanks again for an enjoyable post.
Wishing You HAPPY HOLIDAYS and Best Wishes for A GREAT YEAR 2008.
TommyI think not only does the answer to this question come from "where you live" but "where you sell." As a previous HR Manager, I know that people hire people that are "like them. " People make friends with people that are "like them," etc. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Sellers/Buyers select a Realtor based on this same simple concept.
Don't get me wrong, I think you should be YOURSELF, but with that said...
If your market is mostly middle-class, then driving a hefty priced "trophy car" may turn off your client. However, if your clients are up-market, then I would try to have a nicer car, but never one nicer than your client!! ;)
Good luck!!
Interesting topic and I do have an opinion based on personal needs and safety. My husband is a Broker ad drives approx. 60K a year on the S. California Freeways. We have toll roads that cost on average 160.00 a month, gas on average, 450.00 a month, plus payment and maintenance. We decided the med. priced Mercedes Kompressor was well priced, mid sized so people driving the big Trucks and SUV's can "see him" and should last about 4 years on the road. It's in the budget, looks sharp and with all the time he spends on the road, comfort was a consideration as well.
For me, I keep my car well after it's paid for and I drive a BMW X3. I also bought the car with the dealer incentive, 2.9% financing. It takes less gas than it's larger counterparts on the road and a great car for my business, selling Insurance. It's safe, comfortable for road trips and keeping it neat and clean is important to me. I don't judge people on the type of car they drive, but I do judge on how they keep their car.
As an Insurance Agent, I am obligated to let you all know the importance of having proper insurance coverage on your vehicle. I have our vehicles listed as "Business use" and driving in California, with so many expensive vehicles on the road, having adequate coverage is critical. Make sure you have a minimum of 50,000 in property damage coverage on your policy.
Edmonds.com as a lot of information on buying cars. Internet sales and dealer incentives can make a difference in your purchase price. Even buying a one year old car can be a huge savings. Another consideration in buying a car are surcharges for expensive autos can be costly when it comes to buying Auto insurance. Farmers in Ca. gives additional discounts for having ABS brakes, a security system and for Being a "Broker or Realtor". This can be a great savings on your Insurance costs.
If you must drive clients, safety, cleanliness and comfort would be my top priorities when choosing a vehicle. Better yet, for your own Liability, have the clients follow you to your destinations.
Ask yourself this..."If I were in an accident with a semi-truck, do I want to be in the cheapest or the safest car on the road"?
It doesn't matter what it is -- or how old it is -- or how many miles it has. But it better be clean - inside and out and all of the time! You can buy perception and image - but you can't buy respect! If you got them into your car, it's going to be all about how you take care fo the details. A slob car can be a Mercedes or Lexus one week off the lot. Get inside a slob car and you can't wait to get away from the person! Get inside a clean, non-smoked in anything car or SUV and you know you are dealing with a person that respects his clients, feels proud of him or herself, and will work in an organized fashion to get the deal done.
Richard Zaretsky, Esq., RICHARD P. ZARETSKY P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW, 1655 PALM BEACH LAKES BLVD, SUITE 900, WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401, PHONE 561 689 6660 RPZ99@FLORIDA-COUNSEL.COM - FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED IN REAL ESTATE LAW - We assist Brokers and Sellers with Short Sales
in your local market (chicago), I think realtor transporatation is more about getting from A-Z. if your budget it tight, I would just get a reliable car and make sure that it is clean and presentable to clients.
At the end of the day, people are going to judge you more on your sales volume/activity and professionalism than the car you drive.
Good question...how about those who live in Michigan for example - is it better to buy American versus Foreign? I know people who who not do business with someone who doesn't support "Made in America" vehicles...jsut curious what you think about this....
I traded my BMW 528 for a Prius 3 1/2 years ago. In fact, I have two clients who were so impressed with the Prius that they went and bought one, too. I wish I'd gotten a referral fee for that, but no such luck. It is a mid-sized car. It's interior has more space and better head room than my 528 had and don't even ask the difference at the gas pump. I live where there's a Shell station selling gas for over $4 a gallon. No joke. Most of the gas stations on the San Francisco Peninsula sell gas for around $3.50 a gallon, so my Prius is a joy to fill up.
Consider a hybrid car. Look at the Prius. Look at the Camery. The money you save at the gas pump will be major. Your clients will appreciate that you care about global warming and you'll be helping the environment, too
As long as it's a clean well-kept car it really shouldn't matter but people are going to judge others regardless. If I could afford it, then I'd have a car for play (something really nice) and a car for business (something practical). Since I can't afford it, I'll continue to purchase what suits my personal & financial needs first & foremost. You should be OK with the Accord or the TL, they are both nice cars, but I'd prefer the TL.
p.s. I also drive an Acura RL....
I don't believe that buyers judge you on what you drive as long as it is clean and presentable.